Applying for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, can be quite difficult. Most initial Social Security Disability claims are denied. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules in place that can make it hard for eligible applicants to get the benefits they need.
When filing for SSI, Ortega Disability Group helps you navigate every step of the process. We file all the necessary documentation and gather medical records that are crucial to your claim. Our SSI attorneys in Orange County do everything possible to increase your chances of receiving benefits.
If you need to file an SSI appeal, our skilled team will review your previous application to understand where things went wrong. We will also stand by you during administrative hearings and walk you through every step of the appeals process.
When To Apply for SSI in Orange County
You should work with an Orange County Social Security attorney to apply for SSI as soon as possible after becoming disabled. If you’re unable to work, your medical bills will only increase as time goes on. You may also struggle to afford everyday expenses like food, clothes, and rent or mortgage payments.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income is a federal program that provides monthly payments to disabled, blind, and aged individuals who have limited income and resources.
Unlike with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI claimants don’t need to have paid into the Social Security System to be awarded benefits. This means no work history is required to receive SSI.
Who Is Eligible for SSI?
To be eligible for SSI benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have limited income
- You have limited resources, AND
- You are blind, aged 65 or older, or have a disabling medical condition that prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
If you’re not sure whether or not you qualify for SSI, contact our team at Ortega Disability Group. Our Social Security attorneys in Orange County, CA, can help you file a strong disability claim. Whether you’re applying for the first time or filing an appeal, you can depend on us to help you through the process. Schedule a free consultation with us today.
What Do You Need to Qualify for SSI?
To qualify for SSI benefits you must begin by submitting an application. The SSA will consider your income (including any benefits you’re currently receiving) and assets to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. If you have a disability, you must submit medical proof of your condition and symptoms.
Qualifying Disabilities
The Social Security Administration has a specific way of defining disability. A disability is a provable mental or physical condition which prevents a person from engaging in SGA. This condition must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. It must also be considered a qualifying condition.
Qualifying disabilities are categorized in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, known as the Blue Book. It includes numerous mental and physical conditions and their associated medical criteria. The categories, under which specific disabilities are detailed, include the following:
- Musculoskeletal
- Special Senses and Speech
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
- Digestive
- Genitourinary
- Hematological
- Skin Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Congenital Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems
- Neurological
- Mental Disorders
- Cancer
- Immune System Disorders
When applying for disability benefits, you must provide substantial medical evidence to support your claim. This can include:
- Comprehensive medical records
- Laboratory findings
- Doctors’ notes
- Information regarding treatments and the results of those treatments
- Operative reports
- Lists of medications, dosages, and any resulting side effects
Some claimants can qualify for benefits even if their condition isn’t in the Blue Book. This is because the Blue Book does not include listings for every medical condition that could possibly impact a person’s ability to work. In many cases, applicants have an unlisted condition or multiple conditions that make SGA impossible.
People who have an unlisted impairment, or combination of impairments, can try to apply for a medically equivalent listing.
In other cases, if you don’t qualify for benefits based on medical criteria alone, the SSA will conduct a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This will help determine your ability to keep up with the demands of a workplace (despite your disability). If the SSA finds you can’t perform any previous work or new type of work, you will qualify for benefits.
Qualifying for SSI is difficult due to the many safety nets the SSA puts in place to prevent fraudulent claims. Even if you’re applying for SSI under a Blue Book listing and your case seems cut and dry, there are endless opportunities for hiccups. This is why it’s recommended to work with a qualified Social Security Disability attorney.
Contact Our SSI Attorneys in Orange County, CA
If you’re planning to apply for Social Security Disability, Ortega Disability Group is ready to fight for you.
Our experienced Orange County Social Security Disability lawyers help clients get the benefits they need and deserve. We organize critical documentation, gather medical evidence, and represent individuals at administrative hearings.
If you’re ready to elevate your chances of obtaining disability benefits, contact us online or call (800) 322-1173 today. Set up a free consultation with our dedicated Social Security Disability lawyers in Orange County, CA.
